Home


A genetically modified organism (GMO) or genetically engineered organism (GEO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. These techniques are generally known as recombinant DNA technology. With recombinant DNA technology, DNA molecules from different sources are combined in vitro into one molecule to create a new gene. This DNA is then transferred into an organism and causes the expression of modified or novel traits.

Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods produced from GMO that have had their DNA altered through genetic engineering. GM foods were first put on the market in the early 1990s. The most common modified foods are derived from plants: soybean, corn, canola cotton seed oil and wheat.


2008-11-01

The Potential of Genetically Modified Soy to Manage HIV/AIDS in Africa  

Sola, a U.S. soy ingredient company, last week announced that it has a study to determine whether soy products can be used to improve the health of HIV /AIDS sufferers in South Africa.

In collaboration with the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH), and the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa, Sola aims to soy-protein drinks for the fight against HIV /AIDS.

This inarguably, is an interesting exercise, but the million-dollar question is? Politics will derail it?

I ask this because the soy Sola is the development of these beverages are genetically modified. About 90 percent of the soybean crop in the United States is genetically modified.

South Africa, on the other hand, is continually a hub of genetically modified crops. According to the latest report by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA), the largest part of the soy crop is currently in South Africa is genetically modified.

Already there are whispers out there that this is just another conspiracy between the biotech industry and universities to exploit the vulnerability of HIV /AIDS sufferers in Africa to market genetically modified products. This is gross distortion of the facts.

Sola and other cooperation partners have pledged to ensure that the results of this study peer-reviewed and published in a respected scientific journal. The argument that junk science will be used to develop this drink is therefore null and void.

Predictably, opponents of genetically modified foods in droves to condemn Sola to try? To force-feed Africans with genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

If this were to happen, anti-biotech activists, most absurd lot in the world. They are used for their sheer hypocrisy and ignorance about genetic engineering.

anti-biotech activists have been shouting from the rooftops that pharmaceutical companies to lower prices for anti-retroviral drugs, even products of genetic engineering (GE).

If genetic engineering is such an unsafe and unacceptable technology, why are anti-GE activists not condemning biotech companies that manufacture anti-retroviral drugs?

The planned soy-protein drink improves the management of HIV /AIDS should be supported by all. It is cheap and easily accessible to many HIV /AIDS sufferers who can? T afford anti-retroviral drugs since Sola plans to make in supermarkets and other outlets.

 

'James uses his communication expertise to create awareness about GM food. To read more about him, go to http://www.gmoafrica.org/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Wachai

2008-10-20

How Neurotechnology Is Helping Blindness  

Integration of technology and neuroscience now has the opportunity to convey vision to individuals suffering from blindness. Scientists around the world are trying to use the principles of neuro-technology and other fields of natural sciences in order to develop devices that mimic the human eye, so that blind people can benefited.

Described below are some important innovations that are in this area and Neuro how technology helps blindness.

1. Eye-pod: This is a device that was developed by neuro-Tech, a Rhode Iceland based biotech firm. With its proprietary Encapsulated Cell Technology, scientists and engineers at this institute have dealt with a porous membrane, with the genetically modified human retinal cells capable of secreting a protein known as Ciliary Neurotrophic factor. This protein is known to protect the eyes. This device must be surgically implanted into the eye.

2. Another important innovation, the engineers and scientists Optobionics, Illinois, is a sensory device or a chip that can be surgically implanted in the eye. This device is based on the idea of integration of electronic devices directly into the human body. Known as Artificial Silicon Retina (ASR), this device is actually a 2mm-wide silicon chip with thousands of photovoltaic solar cells. These cells are capable of external conversion of light into electrical currents, which are capable of promoting the retinal cells in the eye.

3. Second Sight is another biotech company with headquarters in California. Scientists in this event have developed an electrode array that, when implanted into the eye captures images with the help of his small camera. These images are then processed and sent to the electronic device implant in the eye. This device then electronically stimulates retina.

 

About Author: Pauline Go is an online leading expert in medical industry. She also offers top quality medical tips like :
Spot Fake Doctor Note , Symptoms Bone Cancer, Find Local Alcoholics Anonymous & Drug Addiction Counseling

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Go

2008-09-30

What are GE and GMO Crops?  

Genetically engineered organisms and genetically modified organisms, with Monsanto Corporation in the forefront of development. GE crops, including cotton seeds, have genetically modified properties with built-in resistance to herbicides and insects (Bt cotton), and will also serve as Frankencotton.

Another mutant called terminator seeds, are sterile and force farmers to buy seed from major suppliers such as Monsanto, instead of naturally save seeds from year to year. Fortunately, terminator seeds are not expected to be marketed in the near future, according to Cornell University.

Cottonseed oil from GE /GMO cotton crops is already in our food supply as a common ingredient in many processed foods, including peanut butter , Edible oils, salad dressings, cookies, snack chips and pastries crusts.

GE and GMO agriculture is legally in the United States, and currently 73% of cotton in the U.S. genetically modified. With enormous global profit potential at stake, Monsanto has been viciously aggressive in the acquisition of worldwide procurement and lobbying governments hesitate. Worse still, poor farmers in these regions used routinemaig with unfair pricing, and farmers in India have been devastated by losses from Monsanto's GE crop failures.

While studies are not yet available to the danger of GE /GMO , Governments, scientists and environmentalists worldwide are concerned about the possible contamination of soil and water, food, and airborne spread of this toxic organisms.

The very real environmental contamination by GE /GMO makes it impossible for any organic business to say with absolute certainty that organic cottons and Woolen are 100% toxin-free longer, because we and our children, and animals are increasingly exposed all day.

However, organic producers and organic retailers will continue to offer their customers certified organic products Resulting from natural seed and agricultural holdings, and violently against the spread of GE/GMOs.

The Organic Consumers Association is spearheading campaigns of zero tolerance, to stop companies such as Monsanto continues to flagrantly place the welfare of the people in the last place for Corporate profits. We urge you to visit the Organic Consumers Association, to learn more, fax petitions and make your voice heard.

 

Susan Fullen Yurek of Kushtush.com Organics (http://www.kushtush.com) is an e-commerce entrepreneur and advocate of organic initiatives for the health of our families and preservation of our planet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Yurek

2008-09-23

Agricultural Biotechnology International Conference Kicks Off in Australia  

A major international conference on agricultural biotechnology starts in Melbourne, Australia, today (August 6th, 2006). Agricultural Biotech International Conference (ABIC) brings together representatives of biotech companies, agricultural researchers and policy makers from around the world.

The theme of this conference is unlocking the potential of Agricultural Biotechnology. Some of the topics to be addressed include:

* The importance of biotechnology in meeting global food requirements.

* application of agricultural biotechnology in biomedicine.

* commercialization of innovative biotechnology.

* Practical applications of genomics to cereal crops.

* With Biotechnology to protect and improve the living supply.

* biotechnology in developing countries.

Unlocking the potential of agricultural biotechnology is a subject that has been with us since the first commercialization of genetically modified crops a decade ago. Developed countries, especially in the United States and Canada, to appreciate that agricultural biotechnology is a driving force of the economy. They have invested heavily in IT, effectively eclipsing the so-called conventional agriculture. The profits were innumerable.

Farmers these countries have nearly doubled their income from the cultivation of genetically modified plants, which are usually high yielding and pest resistant.

In developing countries, the picture is different. Agricultural biotechnology is still an issue. Many developing countries would not because of their distrust for the developed countries. Others have been fed with lies that agricultural biotechnology, in particular genetically modified organisms (GMOs), represent danger for the environment and the health of consumers.

Positive attributes of agricultural biotechnology has played in the Melbourne meeting for all listen.

It & # 39; S encouraging that delegates from developing countries such as Professor Jennifer Thomson (South Africa), Dr. Jagadish Mittur (India), and Dr. Rangsun Parnpai (Thailand) to participate in this conference. You have a chance to learn first hand how agricultural biotechnology has revolutionized the economies of countries like the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. These delegates must examine how their countries can also benefit from agricultural biotechnology.

Since it is a meeting of experts in agricultural biotechnology, it is expected that a productive debate about the potential of agricultural biotechnology. The delegates should continue their consultations with developing countries in mind. It is here where agricultural biotechnology is located in need.

Developing countries, delegates are invited to this conference as a window of opportunity to learn, as many experts as possible on the potential of agricultural biotechnology.

Once the curtains fall from this conference, delegates from developing countries must ensure that the lessons with policy makers, scientists and farmers in their respective countries.

 

James uses his communication expertise to create awareness about GM food. To read more about him, go to http://www.gmoafrica.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Wachai